Helicopter tour from Reykjavik: Hengill Area with at site landing

Hengill is the star of this short helicopter trip. From Reykjavik, you fly over volcanic ridges, geothermal ground, power plants, and the Hellisheiði Plateau before landing in the Hengill area for about 25 minutes. It is a quick way to reach scenery that would take much longer to explore from the road.

I like the small five-person limit, which keeps the flight personal and gives each passenger a useful view from the helicopter. I also like that the landing is included, not treated as an expensive extra. You get time on the ground near hot springs and colorful geothermal terrain, rather than simply circling above it.

The main drawback is the price: $599.56 per person for roughly 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes. Weather can also cancel the flight, and the short total duration means this is best viewed as a special splurge, not a full-day tour.

Key points to know before takeoff

• Hengill is the main event: You land in the geothermal area and have about 25 minutes to walk around.
• The route covers more than one viewpoint: Expect Hellisheiði, Hengill, Hellisheiðarvirkjun, Nesjavallavirkjun, Bláfjöll, and an aerial pass over Reykjavik.
• A five-person maximum matters: The small cabin makes the flight feel more private and gives you a better chance of seeing out clearly.
• The price includes the landing and fuel surcharge: You are not adding those costs after booking.
• Weather affects the schedule: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.
• Plan for weight limits: The stated maximum is 265 pounds per passenger.

Leaving Reykjavik Airport for the volcanic highlands

You meet at Ace FBO Reykjavik at Reykjavik Airport. This is the domestic airport in the city, not Keflavik International Airport, so check your map carefully when planning your day.

The helicopter heads out over the Hellisheiði Plateau. Even before the landing, the flight gives you a useful sense of how quickly Reykjavik gives way to open volcanic country. From the air, roads and buildings become small markers, while broad ridges and dark lava zones take over the view.

I find this opening especially useful for visitors with limited time in Iceland. You are not spending hours on a bus before reaching the scenery. Within a short flight, you are looking down on terrain shaped by fire, heat, water, and Iceland’s working energy system.

The total flight lasts about 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes. That range is worth noting. A helicopter flight can be affected by the exact route, the landing, and conditions, so do not schedule a tight connection or another fixed activity immediately afterward.

Hengill landing: the reason to book

The helicopter lands in the Hengill geothermal area, where you have approximately 25 minutes on the ground. This is the part that turns the trip from a scenic flight into a small Icelandic expedition.

Hengill is a volcanic and geothermal zone, and the stop lets you experience it at walking speed. You may see hot ground, steam, mineral colors, and a thermal pond area, depending on the precise landing spot and conditions. The contrast is striking: one moment you are above the terrain, and the next you are standing in it.

That short walk is also a practical advantage. A normal road tour can take you to geothermal areas, but you still follow roads, paths, and marked access points. Here, the helicopter places you directly in the highlands. The tradeoff is that 25 minutes is not enough for a long walk, a relaxed picnic, or a full hike. Think of it as a close look and a chance to absorb the setting, not a hiking excursion.

Wear sturdy outdoor shoes and clothing that can handle wind and changing weather. Food is not included, and the stop is too brief to build the tour around a meal. Bring water and any snack you need, but keep your expectations focused on the view and the ground beneath your feet.

Hellisheiði and Iceland’s geothermal power

After the Hengill stop, the route covers Hellisheiðarvirkjun. This is one of the geothermal power stations in the area, and seeing it from above adds a useful human detail to the scenery.

Iceland’s geothermal areas are not simply wild places protected from all activity. They also produce power and hot water. From the helicopter, you can connect the steaming ground and volcanic ridges with the infrastructure that makes use of that underground heat.

The tour also covers Nesjavallavirkjun, another geothermal power station. The two sites help explain the area’s importance. You are not just looking at pretty volcanic hills. You are seeing an active energy region where natural heat has a practical role in daily life.

The power stations may not be the most dramatic part of the flight for every passenger. If your only goal is waterfalls or glaciers, these industrial views could feel less exciting. I see them as a strength, though, because they add context and variety to a route that could otherwise become a series of similar mountain views.

Bláfjöll and the changing view below

Bláfjöll is another major point on the flight. The route gives you a broader look at the mountain area and the volcanic terrain around Reykjavik.

From ground level, Iceland’s mountains can appear as a distant wall. A helicopter changes that view. You can see the shape of ridges, the way valleys cut between them, and how open ground extends beyond the city. The scale is difficult to grasp from a roadside viewpoint.

The pilot also has room to move slowly over attractive sections of the route. The available feedback highlights gentle passes from one side to the other over features such as gorges and rivers, with explanations and answers to questions along the way. That matters in a small helicopter. You are not simply being carried from one point to another, you are being shown why a particular section deserves your attention.

Still, the exact views depend heavily on weather and visibility. Iceland can give you sharp horizons one day and low cloud the next. Do not book this expecting a guaranteed postcard scene. The cancellation policy protects you if poor weather makes the flight impossible, but a flight can still go ahead with views that are less clear than you hoped.

Reykjavik from above

The final part of the route flies over Reykjavik after the rural and geothermal stops. This gives the outing a satisfying change of scale.

From the air, the capital becomes a compact urban patch beside open water and volcanic country. You can compare the orderly city with the rougher terrain you have just visited. For a first or last day in Reykjavik, this aerial view can help you understand how the city fits into the surrounding region.

The city pass is also a good reminder that this tour is not only about a remote landing. You get nature, energy infrastructure, mountains, and an urban view in one compact loop. That variety helps justify the short duration, especially if you want more than a single scenic circle.

Why the five-person limit changes the flight

The maximum group size is five people. That is a real advantage for this type of tour.

A small cabin tends to feel more personal than a large sightseeing flight. You have fewer voices competing with the pilot, and the coordinator can give more direct help before departure. The compact group also suits people celebrating a special occasion or couples who want something quieter than a standard bus outing.

The small size does not guarantee every passenger gets the same view at every second. Helicopter seating and the direction of the route still matter. But the limit makes it easier to look out, ask questions, and enjoy the flight without feeling packed into a crowd.

Safety is another important consideration. The available details describe an experienced and skilled pilot, along with a modern, clean helicopter. The tour does not name the pilot consistently in the supplied information, so I would not book it expecting a particular named guide. I would book it for the aircraft, the route, and the small group.

Each passenger must meet the stated total weight limit of 265 pounds. If you are close to that limit, confirm how the operator applies it before you arrive.

Is $599.56 good value?

At $599.56 per person, this is expensive. You can see Iceland’s geothermal areas and mountains for far less by bus, rental car, or on foot.

The helicopter earns its price through access and time. You reach Hengill quickly, land in a geothermal setting, and see several distinct areas from a viewpoint that roads cannot provide. Fuel surcharges and landing fees are already included, which makes the advertised price easier to understand. There is no separate landing charge waiting at the end.

I would call it good value for someone who places a high value on time, privacy, and aerial views. It is weaker value for a budget-minded visitor who has several days to explore Iceland by road. It is also not the right choice if you want a long walk, a meal, or a full day in the countryside.

The best comparison is not with an ordinary sightseeing bus. Compare it with the cost of a special private outing, the time saved, and the chance to stand in Hengill instead of only seeing it from a road. If that combination matters to you, the price becomes easier to defend.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this tour to:

• Couples looking for a memorable Iceland highlight
• Small groups who prefer a quieter outing
• Visitors with limited time in Reykjavik
• Photography fans who want broad views and unusual angles
• People interested in volcanoes, geothermal heat, and Icelandic energy
• Anyone who dislikes spending most of a day on a coach

I would think twice if you are nervous about flying, need a long hike, or are trying to keep your Iceland trip inexpensive. The tour is short, and the landing is brief. Its strength is concentrated impact, not a slow day outdoors.

The experience also suits repeat visitors who have already seen the main roads and want a different view of familiar territory. Flying over Hellisheiði, Bláfjöll, and Reykjavik can make the region feel new again.

Practical details that affect your decision

Confirmation is sent at booking. The tour is offered in English, and the activity ends back at the Reykjavik Airport meeting point. The location is near public transportation, which is useful if you are staying in the capital and do not have a car.

Most people can participate, but you should consider the weight restriction and the nature of a helicopter landing. The supplied information does not give detailed accessibility guidance, so contact GlacierHeli before booking if you need specific assistance.

There is no food included. Since the full activity lasts less than an hour and a quarter, this is not a major problem, but plan to eat before or after. Keep your schedule flexible because weather is part of the decision. If the operator cancels for poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. The same applies if the minimum number of participants is not reached.

For your own cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time to receive a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Hengill helicopter tour?

Book it if you want a short, high-impact Iceland experience that combines a real landing with broad aerial views. The Hengill stop, small group, included landing fees, and mix of geothermal sites make this more worthwhile than a flight that never touches the ground.

Skip it if $599.56 would take money away from longer activities you care about more. Iceland offers many fine road-based outings at a lower cost, and this tour cannot promise clear weather or a long walk.

My call: book it as a special splurge, especially early in your Reykjavik stay while you still have flexibility to reschedule. You will see Hengill from above, stand among its geothermal features, and finish with Reykjavik below you. That is a lot of Iceland packed into about an hour.

FAQ

Where does the helicopter tour start?

The tour starts at Ace FBO Reykjavik, at Reykjavik Airport in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at Reykjavik Airport.

How long does the helicopter tour last?

The approximate duration is 50 minutes to 1 hour 10 minutes.

How long does the helicopter land at Hengill?

The helicopter stops in the Hengill geothermal area for about 25 minutes.

What places does the flight cover?

The route includes the Hellisheiði Plateau, Hengill, Hellisheiðarvirkjun, Nesjavallavirkjun, Bláfjöll, and an aerial pass over Reykjavik.

Are fuel surcharges and landing fees included?

Yes. The price includes the fuel surcharge and the landing.

How many people can join the tour?

The tour has a maximum of five participants.

What happens if bad weather cancels the flight?

You can choose a different date or receive a full refund if poor weather causes the operator to cancel.